Every summer storm tests your home’s ability to manage water. In Connecticut, where homes are often built on sloped lots, stone foundations, or near wetlands, even a brief thunderstorm can lead to wet basements and mold issues. This week, we focus on protecting your home’s perimeter and preventing costly water damage. 

📐 1. Check Your Grading & Landscaping 

The ground should slope away from your foundation. Unfortunately, natural erosion, garden beds, and even mulch can reverse that over time. 

CT Grading Best Practices: 

• Soil should slope away at 6 inches per 10 feet 

• Avoid raised flower beds against foundations 

• Watch for pooling water after storms 

Tip: Extend splash blocks or install flexible downspout extenders to direct water well away from your home. 

🧱 2. Inspect Foundation Walls (Inside & Out) 

Connecticut homes often have older concrete block or stone foundations — both are prone to seepage if not sealed or maintained. 

Look for: 

• Efflorescence (white powder): sign of past water penetration 

• Cracks wider than ⅛ inch (especially horizontal cracks) 

• Rust-stained spots = possible rebar corrosion 

⚙️ 3. Test Your Sump Pump (Before It’s Too Late) 

Many homeowners don’t know their sump pump failed until the basement floods. June is a smart time to test or replace it. 

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips: 

• Pour a bucket of water into the pit — pump should kick on 

• Clean out any gravel or sludge 

• Replace pumps every 7–10 years 

• Add a backup battery or water-powered backup if not already installed 

💨 4. Dehumidifiers & Ventilation 

Even with good grading, Connecticut’s humid summers can lead to damp basements. 

Humidity target: Keep below 60% to prevent mold growth. 
Use a high-quality dehumidifier and clean it regularly. 

Water intrusion is one of the most preventable (and expensive) home repair issues. An ounce of prevention — in the form of grading, drainage, and sump checks — is worth far more than a flooded basement. 

 
💧 Book an inspection with Schaefer Inspection Service — or ask us about your sump system during your next inspection.